News

“Despite facing an overall funding gap of £8 billion by 2025, councils still spent more on those aged 0-5 than in any other area of public health, often exceeding the amount given to them by government."

“This white paper provides a promising base on which to build stronger working relationships between local government and the NHS, as equal partners, to address the wider determinants of health and deliver better and more coordinated health and care services"

“Councils invest more than £600 million a year in sexual health services, but rising demand is continuing to push some councils’ sexual health services to capacity. It is therefore essential that the strategy is fully funded."

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s commitment to make the UK the first country to reach zero HIV transmissions by 2030.

“The strategy response represents a missed opportunity to tackle the underlying causes of many of these issues, which will continue to be exacerbated by the growing cost of living crisis. Unless the government takes urgent action, its ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030 will be missed."

An acute shortage of NHS dentists mean hundreds of dental practices may have to close in the years ahead

"Greater investment in community support is the surest way to reduce hospital admissions and help the health and care system become more sustainable in the long-term."

"Local knowledge and expertise will be crucial in encouraging everyone from all parts of the community to get vaccinated. Councils’ unique relationship with the people they represent mean they are well placed to reach out to those in the priority groups and beyond."

"This extra funding is a positive step to enable councils to continue to provide much-needed support to low income households at risk of poverty and financial hardship, including support for families during the Easter holidays alongside the new Holiday Activities and Food fund."

“Vaccination is ultimately our route out of this pandemic and the COVID-19 booster and flu jab programmes are mission critical to keeping our population safe and healthy this winter"